Safe sex is using condoms and water-based lubricants as well as a range of other things to reduce the risk of catching or passing on STIs (sexually transmissible infections or HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Safe sex can help:
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Prevent HIV
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Prevent pregnancy
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Prevent STIs
Why have safe sex?
You can’t tell whether someone has an STI based on how they look, dress, behave or who they have had sex with
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Practising safe sex provides you with peace of mind
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Thinking "it won’t happen to me" provides no protection
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Some STIs are quite common and using condoms will reduce the risk of infection
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People with HIV and STIs often don’t know they are infected
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Condoms and water-based lubricants prevent HIV transmission
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Safe sex protects you from unintended pregnancies
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STIs and HIV exist in all countries and cultures and can affect anyone.
How should I negotiate safe sex?
Know how to use a condom properly will give you greater confidence when talking with a partner. Prior to having sex, practice putting condoms on. Make sure you have a supply of condoms stored in cool place.
Be clear about the reasons why you want to use condoms. Here are some examples:
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'I always use condoms, it protects me and you.’
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‘If its not on…. its not on.’
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‘Don’t worry…. I have some right here.’
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I’m glad I know what I am doing…..it makes me feel good.’’
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‘We don’t have any condoms but we could do other things… let me show you how.’
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Here let me put the condom on for you.’
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‘I find these condoms are the best for men…want to try them’
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